Bangladesh circular apparel and textiles

The apparel sector is one of the most polluting industries in the world. Bangladesh is the second-largest producer of ready-made garments (RMGs). The sector is taking strong steps to improve sustainability standards to meet European import requirements and Corporate Sustainability Responsibility (CSR) legislation.  

Larger apparel and textiles companies in Bangladesh have been able to improve social and environmental compliance in recent years. But many small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) struggle to do so. As a result, this has limited their sustainability performance and business success.

CBI wants to collaborate with SMEs that work towards change, by connecting SMEs to:

• European buyers
• Best practices frontrunners
• Dutch experts in circularity and sustainable production.

We seek partners to join the combi-track Bangladesh circular apparel and textiles programme (2026-2031). Together, we can work with SMEs in Bangladesh’s apparel and textiles sector to raise their business performance, while taking up sustainable practices.  

Become a partner

CBI seeks ambitious and motivated partners that want to work towards the goals of this project and invest in local, lasting solutions.

We aim to connect with:

• Ready-made garment SMEs in Bangladesh that are ready to invest in sustainability and circularity and want to access higher-value European Union (EU) markets.
• Frontrunner SMEs who are already active on sustainability-focused European markets and who want to share best practices with other companies.
• Trade and sector associations, such as BGMEA and BKMEA.
• Dutch and European importers and brands looking for sustainable, small-order suppliers from Bangladesh.
• Service providers in areas such as sustainability reporting, certification, digital marketing, and circular production.
• Knowledge institutes, NGOs, and donor organisations active in the RMG sector.

CBI seeks Bangladesh-based local service partners. If you are based outside Bangladesh but have relevant experience, want to learn, and have funds or expertise to contribute, we would still want to explore ways to collaborate.

We prefer partners (and teams) that:

• Communicatie well in English;
• Can participate in CBI visits, workshops and training sessions;
• Want to invest in the necessary changes to gain access to European markets sustainably;
• Are open to improving their responsible business (RBC) practices in their organisation.

Reach out now 

Project purpose

With over $45 billion in annual export, Bangladesh is one of the world’s leading producers of ready-made garments. The sector creates 4 million direct jobs and makes up almost 85% of the country’s total exports.  

Bangladesh’s status of Least Developed Country (LDC) status will soon end. This means exporting to the EU will no longer be tax-free by 2029. To prepare for this change, Bangladeshi exporters and Dutch and European buyers must meet European sustainability laws as soon as possible.

European buyers need to have sustainable and circular supply chains. Regulations like the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD), Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), and the Digital Product Passport (DPP) raise the standards for trading with the European Union. Bangladeshi SMEs that can meet these standards can access higher-value market segments. This includes Dutch and European importers looking for sustainable suppliers.

Larger Bangladeshi manufacturers have the resources to invest in sustainability and circularity. But many SMEs are at risk of being left behind, experiencing barriers such as limited knowledge of European market requirements or a lack of access to finance and technology. They might also suffer from a reputation for high-volume, low-cost production. CBI will support the further growth of successful, advanced SMEs. These are companies that know how to reach profitable and sustainable EU markets.

What does a partnership with CBI look like?  

CBI does not provide funding. Instead it finds and invests in local solutions, owned by those who are in the best position to carry them out. Working with CBI on this programme gives you the opportunity to:

• Access European market intelligence and connect directly with Dutch and European buyers seeking sustainable, flexible-order suppliers.
• Learn from frontrunner SMEs already succeeding on high-value European markets, so you can build your own sustainability credentials.
• Receive expert guidance on circular production practices, sustainability reporting, and digital marketing.
• Join a growing service ecosystem that supports SMEs to meet European environmental and circularity requirements.
• Work on a sector branding strategy that positions Bangladeshi SMEs as reliable sustainable suppliers in the European market.

Joining the programme is free. We ask partner SMEs and other sector stakeholders to cover their costs for European market access activities and domestic travel for training sessions and meetings held outside their city.

Partners

This programme has just started. We are designing and discussing possible solutions with our stakeholders and are actively looking for partners. If you can help validate this approach, connect us with frontrunners, or work together to develop local solutions, please reach out.  

Are you an SME in Bangladesh's apparel and textiles sector who wants to raise sustainability standards and access higher-value European markets? Or do you work for a trade association, business support organisation, knowledge institute, or other institute that wants to make the sector more sustainable and circular? We would appreciate to hear from you.

The following partners are joining this project:  

• BAE: Bangladesh Apparel Exchange  
• BGMEA: Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association
• BKMEA: Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association
• Modint: Leading Dutch trade association and network for manufacturers, importers, agents, and wholesalers in the fashion, interior design, carpet, and textile industries
• The Royal Netherlands Embassy in Dhaka  

Collaborate with us

Do you want to help Bangladesh's apparel and textiles sector become more circular, sustainable, and competitive? We would appreciate to hear from you.

Express your interest via the button below. For questions or more information, please contact Melanie van der Baaren-Haga.

Reach out now 

About CBI

CBI promotes sustainable production and trade between low- and middle-income countries and the Netherlands and Europe. We partner with small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and their ecosystem to strengthen their social and environmental sustainability.  

CBI is part of the Netherlands Enterprise Agency and commissioned by the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs.